Surname Gargis - Meaning and Origin

Gargis: What does the surname Gargis mean?

The last name Gargis is an English surname derived from a Celtic and Welsh family name. It is suspected that the name originated from the Welsh word, Gerrig, meaning 'rough' or 'rugged'.

The Gargis surname has a long history. Originating in the Middle Ages, certain branches of the family trace their lineage to Ireland and Wales. Due to political and religious upheaval, some family members emigrated to America and established new homes in New York, Pennsylvania and other areas.

Gargis is generally thought to be a variation of the surname Garretson, which also has its roots in the Welsh moniker Gerrig. The family that adopted the name Gargis was likely of Gaelic descent, having lived in Ireland and Wales since the early 1500s and later immigrated to America.

In 2011, Gargis was the 8,394th most common surname in Britain and Ireland. It was also found mostly in England, Wales and Scotland.

In America, the Gargis surname is unique, but it still remains prominent from coast to coast and now transcends different nationalities, ethnicities and religions.

All in all, the surname Gargis encapsulates a rich past, spanning hundreds of years and multiple countries, with reminders of its proud Celtic and Welsh ancestry still lingering in its form.

Gargis: Where does the name Gargis come from?

The last name Gargis is most commonly found today in the United States, particularly in the southern states. The surname is believed to have originated in the region of Pontus in Ancient Greece, where it likely referred to a certain type of olive tree, the agmi gargis. The name then spread along the Mediterranean and eventually made its way to the Americas via immigrants in the 1800s.

Today, it is most commonly found in the southern US, particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Alabama. It is also found in California, Florida, and in New Mexico. In addition, the name is also found in the UK, the Netherlands, Australia, and other countries around the world.

There are many modern-day variations of the name, including Gargis, Gargos, Garguss, Gargus, and Garghis. Over time, the pronunciation of the name has varied in different countries. In some cases, the "g" in the name is pronounced as "guh," while in others it is pronounced as "gee."

In the United States and other countries, those with the surname Gargis tend to embrace their heritage. There are several active Gargis family organizations in the US, as well as an active online presence in which members share information and stories.

Variations of the surname Gargis

Gargis is a surname with several variant spellings and variations. It is derived from the Gaelic garbh (rough, harsh, violent) and the Old French gis (pledge, hostage).

Common spelling variations of the surname Gargis include Garigues, Garigue, Garigues, Gargues, Garié, Garias, Garigas, Garih, Gargas, Gariy, and Garris.

An alternate origin of the Gargis surname comes from Old French roots, derived from the word "garse," meaning "thorny tree." Gargis, Garces, and Garzas are surnames that may be linked to this etymology.

The surname Gargis is often found in France, Spain, Latin America, and the United States. It is also found in the United Kingdom, with a concentration in Wales.

Other variants of Gargis include Garges, Garaga, Garjis, and Garsa.

Variations of Gargis have been found in records since the 12th century. A Garrics Gariacus was listed in England in 1187, and a Garit was listed in the county of Yorkshire in 1219.

Gargis is an uncommon surname, but may be linked to other similar sounding surnames, such as Galgus, Gargan, and Gringus.

Famous people with the name Gargis

• John Gargis: American broadcaster, famous for his informative and entertaining interviews with a variety of celebrities and newsmakers.
• Emmy Raver-Lampman:American actress and singer, best known for playing Allison Hargreeves on the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy.
• Georgia Flood: Australian actress and singer, best known for her roles on the TV series Wentworth and Home and Away.
• Michael Gargiulo: American serial killer, also known as the 'Hollywood Ripper', convicted of the murders of three women in Los Angeles in 2003 and 2008.
• Steve Gargis: American animator, writer, and voice actor known for his work on the TV series Family Guy and American Dad!
• Payson Lewis: American singer and songwriter, best known for her hit single “No Regrets” which has been featured on the popular TV series Grey’s Anatomy.
• Jimmy Gargis: American metal musician, best known as a founding member of the band Mudvayne.
• Laura Gargis: Australian television presenter and reporter, known for her work on ABC News, Nine News, and A Current Affair.
• Phillip Gargis: American baseball player, played in Major League Baseball from 1960 to 1967, most notably with the Baltimore Orioles.
• Chad Gargis: American stand-up comedian, author, and actor, best known for his work on the TV series Workaholics and Key and Peele.

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